Cracks, water intrusion, crawl space moisture, settlement, etc.
We Treat Your Home Like Our Own
Acculevel was founded in 1996, and is well known in the industry for repairing foundations, basements, and crawl spaces. We raise and repair concrete structures for thousands of customers per year.
A concrete slab sinks as the soil underneath it shifts. Often, the cause for this is erosion. Rain comes down and saturates the ground, mixing the water into the soil. Then, when the water drains away, it takes part of the soil with it. This erosion can happen gradually as a natural process, or suddenly if it’s caused by a broken pipe or ruptured drain. If the ground under a slab is eroding quickly or seems loose, you should evaluate your home’s guttering and plumbing systems. It’s possible the downspouts or plumbing are draining under the slab and washing out the soil.
In other circumstances, the slab moves because of the ground itself. It’s possible that it wasn’t properly compacted before the concrete was poured. The extreme weather cycles in the Midwest contribute another factor. The ground floods in the spring, then dries out during a summer drought, which prompts erosion Then there’s the winter freeze-and-thaw pattern. The ground expands when it freezes, and contracts as it thaws. This fluctuation also contributes to shifts in the soil, which accelerates the settling process.
Concrete rarely settles evenly; usually one end will sink more significantly than the other. When this happens, the stress of the uneven support will sometimes crack the slab. At that point, you have high and low points on the concrete, and a crack or joint between slabs that will catch a pedestrian’s toe. These are trip hazards and a liability issue.
Sometimes, an uneven slab can also cause damage to your home. It may redirect rainwater towards your house, instead of away from it. This leads to water damage to your foundation, and possibly to leaks in your basement or crawl space. Over time this extra moisture can cause serious damage. Water permeating into your home can cause rotting in the structural wood flooring system (sill plate, floor joists, etc) and allow mold to flourish and grow.
Slab lifting is done by injection. Small holes are drilled through the concrete slab, and material is injected below it. This material fills the void underneath the concrete, and gradually the pressure of this filler being forced under the slab creates lift. The type of fill material varies; many companies use a concrete or limestone slurry referred to as “mud” and this process is generally called mudjacking. As the slurry hardens, it creates lift below the slab.
At Acculevel, we use a polyurethane foam. In our experience, slabjacking provides a better and more reliable repair; once the foam is injected, the chemical reaction promptly begins to expand, and it’s this foam that does the lifting. Since it’s more immediate than mudjacking, it allows for better control.
In this video, one of our knowledgeable experts explains why we choose to perform slabjacking:
Slabjacking uses specialized equipment, but it’s usually installed in a standard-sized service truck that can park in the driveway or street without issue. Slabjacking repair work rarely requires an Acculevel crew driving across your lawn, or disturbing your landscape; the slabjacking equipment has a 250 foot injection hose to maximize our reach to the repair section.
In fact, there is very little mess generated at a slabjacking job site. Generally, crews only need to clean up some dust generated from drilling through the concrete, and maybe trace amounts of foam from the injection site.
This is preferable to the messy process of replacing a slab. Concrete demolition often involves the use of a jack hammer, which is noisy and creates debris that adds to landfills. Re-pouring concrete requires building forms, a concrete truck, and the use of this equipment in close proximity to the work site. This results in a significant amount of trash and upheaval on your property. The new slab can also be visually jarring, as it won’t match the other existing sections in color or texture.
Slabjacking works with the existing concrete slab, so the costs are limited. They depend more on the size of the slab being lifted, and the amount of void under the slab. (The larger the gap, the more material is required.) The costs to replace concrete can be double the price of slabjacking. For more details on costs, please review our article on costs comparisons.
Addressed waterproofing and sagging floor issues for Robert in the 48103 area. A noticeable leak was handled with an interior drainage system to ensure dryness and stability. In addition, the perimeter floor was stabilized to prevent future problems, costing around $3,000.
Worked on addressing moisture issues in Jared’s basement located in the 48105 area. The basement faced challenges with water entry, particularly at one side having a noticeable problem. Our team installed a robust waterproofing system to protect against further intrusion, especially around the pump structure. The foundation, a mix of cinderblock and stone, now benefits from enhanced moisture control. This project was completed for approximately $4,200.
Addressed water intrusion at the foundation's base for Uday in the 48104 area. With a focus on waterproofing, our team ensured a dry and secure basement to prevent mold development. Approximate cost for this project was $11,184.
Victor's sidewalk had a noticeable void causing it to sink, raising concerns about potential safety hazards. Although there were initial concerns about using slabjacking for this issue, the job proceeded to restore the walkway's level. The process helped stabilize the sidewalk, ensuring a secure path. The approximate cost of this repair was about $2,000, addressing the situation effectively in the 48104 area.
We recently completed a structural foundation repair for Duane in the 48103 area. This job involved addressing cracking issues and stabilizing support walls with new materials. Previously repaired sections needed attention as the original company went out of business. Our team ensured to check for any bowing in the walls, providing a lasting solution for approximately $5500.
We completed a foundation repair and waterproofing project around a window well in the 48104 area. This job involved excavating the area to address drainage and potential water intrusion issues. Our team applied a waterproof membrane to ensure the foundation's durability and prevent future leaks. This project for Rick was accomplished with approximately $4250 dedicated to securing the property against moisture.
We tackled a persistent leak in a townhouse basement that had troubled Diane for years, even after previous fixes. Our team traced the water intrusion to the basement stoop area, reinforced the caulking, and applied a waterproofing membrane for enhanced protection. This approach aims to secure the property before Diane moves to ensure a dry environment for future occupants. The approximate job price was around $3,000 in the 48103 area.
Completed a slabjacking job to address the sinking front steps of Emanuel's home in the 48104 area. The stairs were showing significant signs of settling, and our team efficiently leveled them to restore safety and usability. The project involved lifting and stabilizing the concrete slabs to prevent further sinking. Approximate cost of the job was around $800.
Completed a slabjacking job for Trivellore to address sinking sidewalks connecting to a porch in zip code 48108. The project involved raising the walkway to create a level surface, efficiently enhancing pedestrian safety and aesthetics. This necessary repair was carried out for approximately $2,600.
This project focused on addressing drainage issues causing overflow and standing water around a home built in 1978. Our team installed a new drainage system to redirect water effectively and prevent future overflow problems. With the yard's wet conditions in mind, we took steps to ensure lasting results for approximately $26,000. Kathryn was proactive in seeking the best solution for her property in the 48103 area.
Recently tied in a new fast track drainage system to the existing setup at Cameron's place in 48103. This upgrade aims to ensure efficient water redirection and improve the basement's overall structure. The project was estimated at around $2,000.
In Laurence's basement, we tackled water intrusion by applying a comprehensive exterior waterproofing solution. Our team focused on sealing the foundation wall to prevent groundwater from entering and affecting the basement's conditions. This method was essential to manage the slope-related water issues effectively, ensuring a dry and odor-free environment. The project was carried out with precision, avoiding any disruption to the interior carpeting and drywall. Estimated cost for this waterproofing job was around $11.6k.
Recently completed essential repairs for Fred in the 48103 area, focusing on addressing water intrusion in the basement. Our team efficiently sealed cracks in the foundation and installed an exterior drainage system to prevent further moisture issues. This comprehensive waterproofing and repair project was carried out with a budget of approximately $5,900.
Addressing a critical issue in Edwin's basement with water seeping through cracks due to a poorly constructed wall. Our team implemented a comprehensive waterproofing solution and repaired existing cracks to prevent further water intrusion. This essential fix was carried out for approximately $13,700, ensuring a dry and secure environment in the 48104 area.
Completed an exterior waterproofing project near ground level for a bathroom exhaust vent in Brian's home. The team ensured proper sealing to prevent moisture intrusion, enhancing the home's overall protection. The job in the 48103 area was priced at around $7,300.
We've completed a significant waterproofing project for Cheryl's basement aimed at resolving water intrusion issues. Our team installed a tailored system to effectively manage moisture, ensuring the basement remains dry and secure. This vital upgrade, costing about $34,971, safeguards the home's foundation and enhances its overall stability.
We recently tackled a basement water intrusion issue for Robyn in the 48103 area. The walls displayed signs of water logging, prompting the installation of a comprehensive waterproofing system. This project, including interior drainage implementation, was completed for approximately $14,400 to ensure a dry and secure environment.
Arrived at Rosie's location to address potential water intrusion where the floor meets the wall in an unfinished room. Confirmed presence of molding materials from previous remediation efforts, requiring another inspection. Our waterproofing application ensures no further water seepage. This job was priced at around $17,000.
At KLA's property in the 48103 area, we undertook a foundation stabilization task. Our team installed helical piers to address settlement issues and ensure the structure's stability. This essential project was executed with attention to structural integrity, around a budget of approximately $24k.
Josephine's basement was experiencing water seepage and cracking issues along the east-facing wall. Our team implemented effective waterproofing solutions and sealed the cracks to prevent future water intrusion. This essential service was completed to ensure a dry and stable environment, with the project costing around $7,700.
Recently worked on reinforcing a home’s foundation that was experiencing water intrusion and cracking issues. The project involved installing durable wall brackets to secure the cracked areas and prevent further damage. This essential reinforcement, valued at approximately $8,700, aims to maintain the structural integrity of the foundation. Located in the 48108 area, Jodi can now have peace of mind knowing their home is stable and secure.
Gary's basement needed urgent attention due to a cracked foundation and water intrusion through the rod holes, which was causing an unpleasant dirt smell. Our team focused on waterproofing and sealing the cracks to protect the integrity of the foundation. At a value of approximately $8,500, these essential repairs ensure a stable and dry environment in the 48108 area.
We recently conducted structural repairs for Joseph in the 48103 area, focusing on reinforcing the basement windows and surrounding foundation. This essential work included window frame installation and ensuring proper waterproofing to prevent future water intrusion. The entire project was executed efficiently, contributing to a more secure and stable home environment. The job was completed for around $16,000.
We revisited Scott's property in the 48105 area to address an initial issue with the concrete work around the basement perimeter. The project involved redoing areas with new concrete to ensure proper waterproofing and stability. This rework, valued at approximately $7,200, was crucial to prevent further water damage and enhance the structure's longevity.
Addressed a series of cracked basement walls in Rene's home, zip code 48103. Several diagonal and vertical cracks were stabilized, with specific attention to the need for a supportive joist and sister joist. This repair ensures the structural integrity is maintained, even with the planned addition of a 300lbs bookcase. Completed for an approximate cost of $3,264.
